Is the Arab prince the answer?

With the story coming out this week that Arab Prince, Faisal Bin Abdulaah al Saud, reportedly on the verge of buying George Gillette's 50% stake in the club I'm left to wonder am I the only one who isn't jumping for joy about it? I can fully understand everyones desire to see the back of the Americans, even 50%of them for the moment, but I cant get overly happy about another foreign investor coming in. Ill explain why

When the Americans bought the club everyone was delighted. Anyone who says they weren't is a liar. We thought at last we have people with the money to compete for the best players and build a new stadium. Star spangled banners waved in the kop. Good times were here! Except they weren't. No need for me to go into it we all know what happened next.

Perhaps its because of this that I'm dubious about the Arab prince. But I'm left wondering firstly, why are we so overjoyed by the rumour when our record with foreign investors is terrible. Also his advisers have said he's a no go on the deal unless the clubs debt becomes more manageable. Didn't Gillette just tell us this week were in the healthiest position of all the major clubs in the world? Either he was lying or the Prince doesn't know a good deal when he sees one!!

And if we are so badly in debt why ids the prince sniffing around in the first place? Does he see a buy now sell in 2 years for mega profit situation? And if so what does he plan in between?    As I said I'm cautious about any deals and that's probably down to our 2 current owners, there lies and there letdowns!!

If I thought it would help I would kiss a frog if hit had money to invest.

Firstly, I was never over the moon about G&H coming in.  I had only just got round to believing Moores' story about DIC being the right owners for us, when the spin came out that G&H were perfect for us after all.

I didn't do the homework on the Yanks (unfortunately, neither did Moores or Parry) but I still wondered how a couple of blokes from a country where footy is about 27th choice, behind lacrosse, could be right for us.  What could they possibly know about owning a footy team?

I admit, I wanted to believe that they would build the stadium, something Hicks had a history of doing with great success, and that we could build a team around the revenue that would bring.  Obviously, my lack of homework meant that I failed to see these two tossers didn't have two ha'pennies to rub together.

Even then, in all the crap that has gone on, I have still questioned whether or not DIC (or whoever else) would be the right move.  As much as I want G&H out of our club, I don't want to leap out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Who is to say that the next owner would have any more respect for us fans?  Or any more understanding of the traditions of 'the Liverpool way'?   The capital or backing to build that F***ing stadium?  The knowledge of football to stick by and back a manager instead of sacking them every two minutes ( you listening Roman?)

So NO, brian, you're not the only one who has reservations about anyone new coming in.  You know what they say - "once bitten, twice shy."

All I can say, and hope to God that I'm right, is that anyone else cannot possibly as bad for LFC as the current owners?  Can they?

Is the Arab prince the answer?

Well he is hardly worse than 2 fat retarded americans....

Good thread Brian mate.

Who knows if it would be a good thing? Only hindsight will tell us, but surely we can't be any worse off. Maybe he'll want to put money in, but if he's already complaining about the debt before he's even part of the club then that can't be good.

Good thread Brian mate.

Who knows if it would be a good thing? Only hindsight will tell us, but surely we can't be any worse off. Maybe he'll want to put money in, but if he's already complaining about the debt before he's even part of the club then that can't be good.

I'd like to say that the reason he is worried about the debt is because he has to pay it off if he buys us so who can blame him I would be worried too if I was buying Liverpool from those two pricks..

Know what you mean mate, but with pockets as deep as his it'd be like moving into a new house and finding out the previous owners hadn't paid their paper bill.

I want the prince to take over... Arabs are so rich that splash cash like water, if he buys the club am sure he's gonna give rafa what ever money he wants to invest on the team... He's the prince of saudi so he must be very very rich... I just wish he buys the whole club... With what we already have in our team an da saudi's investment our team is just gonna get better and better...

never mind an arab prince,     we need aladin with his f***in magic lamp.

Anything is an improvement from them two clowns.

I may be wrong ( quite often am ) but the arabs with their vast wealth have tried everything to enjoy themselves and spend their cash like we use petrol ,the serious type of wealth these guys have to compete with each other is mind boggling ..think Liverpool deserves some arab petty cash personally and kicks the yanks out ...things couldn't get any worse

Didn't Gillette just tell us this week were in the healthiest position of all the major clubs in the world?

Either he was lying or the Prince doesn't know a good deal when he sees one!!

Ever heard Jimmy Nails Aint No Doubt?
Change Gender.









Hes Lying.

Know what you mean mate, but with pockets as deep as his it'd be like moving into a new house and finding out the previous owners hadn't paid their paper bill.

Well taking all things into consideration if he was looking at buying Liverpool we would cost at least 750 Million for total control... Then we want to build a stadium and make big signings.... So if he really wants to make Liverpool successful he will have to have about 2 Billion ready to splash:/

Steady on lads, what I read into this is the Prince is doing what any good businessman would do.You buy a business but you expect the incumbent to clear his debts. Remember the bulk of the debt is down to Kop Holdings Ltd., a company jointly owned by the 2 gobsh*tes.If Gillette wants to sell his share(which he is now entitled to do) then from the money he receives, he has by law to clear his portion of the Kop Holdings Ltd., debt to the banks.So if this happens our debt would principally be halved.Then if the prince decided to push through the building of a new stadium, let's say £300 million, then Hicks would first of all have to repay his 50% of the current debt (approx £225 million), but would also have to raise personnaly £150 miilion for the stadium.So does anybody see him ventuaring £375 million of his own money to stay with a 50% stake in LFC,whose total value with new stadium is valued at £1 billion.The man's a carpet bagger so no f*cking way, He'll bail out sooner for a less risky £1-200 million profit for doing f*ck all.Bring on the Arabs.

Nothing can be worse than it is now. We need just to look at the blue side of Manchester and the sort of cash they're whipping around, to have an idea of what we will be in for if the Arabs come on board.

Personally, i would love to have any new owners, and the Prince of Saudi Arabia won't do any harm. I see it as a win-win for both us and the Saudi Prince: We'll have a fortune to spend, and he'll definitely make a profit in due season and grow a reputation in England aswell. 

Better having a dude with three wives than two fat wankers that probably have none!

Anything has to be better than those two pr*cks from over the pond,and unlike G+H i think they will respect our traditions.Arabs are a secretive bunch as it is,you couldnt imagine them publicly slating Rafa or claiming outragous things like weve spent just as much as the chavs or scum.
But the biggest advantage of all would be the new stadium,which we all know is a massive priority if we are to keep up with the other teams round us.
If eventually this guy gets full control of the club, the stadium would surelly be built quikly.

Like many of you i am also skeptical about the prince, especially with all his indecisions to buy us over the debts, makes it seem more of a short term financial investment maybe?

On the other hand though, he might be one of the smart ones in this world and actually looking to take over a club and run it in a sustainable mannor, running it on profits made through the club itself rather than 100's of millions worth of outside loans.

However the situation we find our self in now isnt the greatest one...(to say the least!) so hopefully getting at least one of the yanks out there might finally be a bit of boardroom harmony

Could be that the prince in stating his reservations about the debt issue is cranking up the bargaining side of the deal.

If he is true to his commitments and passion then he is likely to speak with the SofS and Share Liverpool.
If they are brought onside he could be in with a chance of acceptance.



I still cant get used to see him touching the This Is Anfield sign or walking the hallowed turf with "Gretel".



Shankly would turn in his .................

Firstly, I would welcome anyone who can run Liverpool as Liverpool are; a club with honour and history. But unless there is no groundbreaking for the new stadium, I guess I'll reserve my expectations.

I'll believe it when I see it...............

This question can not be answered now, even if and hopefully when we see them sign on some form of a dotted line i will still be reserving judgement for a year.
I remember sitting in a bar back home in Australia, me local pub, after a hard day on the farm. Me dad, me and a couple locals (miss that place, real close knit country pub) and the story about H&G taking over Liverpool was on the sports news on the TV. The pictures of them holding up the scarf, all that sh*te. Mate of ours Paul taps me on the shoulder, knowing im a Liverpool fan and says, "Dave, what do ya reckon about that?" My response? "f***in' fantastic mate, we have needed someone to come in for years now with some cash, these guys will be fantastic for us"
How F***ing stupid does that sound now, feel ashamed for ever thinking it : So that is why i will not begin to comment on any new owners until i see production from them.

Looks like it is the answer, see the new thread!

This question can not be answered now, even if and hopefully when we see them sign on some form of a dotted line i will still be reserving judgement for a year.
I remember sitting in a bar back home in Australia, me local pub, after a hard day on the farm. Me dad, me and a couple locals (miss that place, real close knit country pub) and the story about H&G taking over Liverpool was on the sports news on the TV. The pictures of them holding up the scarf, all that sh*te. Mate of ours Paul taps me on the shoulder, knowing im a Liverpool fan and says, "Dave, what do ya reckon about that?" My response? "f***in' fantastic mate, we have needed someone to come in for years now with some cash, these guys will be fantastic for us"
How F***ing stupid does that sound now, feel ashamed for ever thinking it : So that is why i will not begin to comment on any new owners until i see production from them.

Same as mate word for word except for the Aussie pub, but I suppose the vast majority were under the same illusion. Had off completely by those lying carpet baggers.

If they did invest we would be in good financial hands as I am sure they would not want City to do better than us.

Anyone taking over would be better than what we have at the club now but we would have to look more into it this time as somebody else said before "once bitten,twice as shy"

What puzzles me is the fact that after Gillett is paid off and fu**ed off if what we are told is true the buyer will have to throw his hand in with Hicks, probably the lesser of the two conmen but if it is Prince Faisal surely this would not be a suitable arrangement. His spokesman has stated that the Prince would eventually llike to own 100% of the club so exactly where that leaves the deal is anyones guess.

Is he the answer?

Bit more progress reported in SkySports.com today October 15th 09.

What puzzles me is the fact that after Gillett is paid off and fu**ed off if what we are told is true the buyer will have to throw his hand in with Hicks, probably the lesser of the two conmen but if it is Prince Faisal surely this would not be a suitable arrangement. His spokesman has stated that the Prince would eventually llike to own 100% of the club so exactly where that leaves the deal is anyones guess.

I wonder if his idea is to secure Gillettes  50% and then to put Hicks in a position where Hicks has no option but to sell his 50%.As you say it does not look like a suitable arrangement to have to work with Hicks.

Looking at how things have progressed, G&H are finished. Where is the stadium? If they could do without the prince, they would have already gone ahead with building it. Their game plan has been screwed by the financial crisis and we can safely guess that the ball in the prince's court.

I don't know about the prince, but he is likely a bigger fan than G&H who both wanted to use us in the first place. Hopefully he will splash the cash and take us further.

I wonder if his idea is to secure Gillettes  50% and then to put Hicks in a position where Hicks has no option but to sell his 50%.As you say it does not look like a suitable arrangement to have to work with Hicks.

I was wondering myself about what the working arrangements would be if he took control of 50% of the club.

Without wanting to get ahead of things too much, I just hope he would have th strength of character to put Hicks under pressure for the good of the club.

It wouldn't be a problem I don't think, he seems to be an astute businessman, but then again, we all know how stubborn Hicks can be.

Still, I prefer this uncertainty, because with Gillett in the frame, the only thing we were certain of was that he was never going to invest in the club correctly.

I was wondering myself about what the working arrangements would be if he took control of 50% of the club.

Without wanting to get ahead of things too much, I just hope he would have th strength of character to put Hicks under pressure for the good of the club.

It wouldn't be a problem I don't think, he seems to be an astute businessman, but then again, we all know how stubborn Hicks can be.

Still, I prefer this uncertainty, because with Gillett in the frame, the only thing we were certain of was that he was never going to invest in the club correctly.

If the deal goes through (everythings crossed) it can only be a matter of time before Hicks gets the F**k off message and is dispatched in the same way as hopefully, George Gillett. If Prince Faisal gets the 50% stake he will conduct himself with impeccable acumen and strive for a 100% stake in the club.
Arab business is carried out with religious efficiency and the thought of having a half share of a major investment under the control of some shyster must be abhorrent, the correction of the arrangement would be a priority for the Prince. Of course there are an infinite number of uncertainties right now but it's got be a vast improvement  on where we stand.

If it's true the prince wants total control of the club surely it makes sense in a business capacity to build up confidence and a rapport with his future subjects, His advisers have clearly done there homework and see a partnership with Hicks as the best way forward, It's looks to be of a similar situation the Gooners have with Usmanov, He will eventually have total control @ the Emirates and i can see the same thing happening at the new Anfield, With Gillette gone and with him half the debt can only be a good move, Back that up with successive progress in the champs league the Prince can see what the future holds, He will know already or certainly have an idea where he wants our club to be, At the very top of the footballing world and if thats achieved with Hicks by his side then so be it, Just as long as he backs Rafa to the hilt and continues to invest the finances we so badly need then i can only see success, league titles aplenty and maybe even a few more Big Ears in the cabinet. 

Welcome to THE best football club in the world Prince Faisal.

YNWA    IRWT.

Something on Sky Sports News now apparently.

i don't know if the arabian is a right person to take over the club...
but..surely...i totally not happy with both of liverpool current owner...
i have a confidence about the arabian...
for me,..
the buyers from east,..especially the person who have a strong finance like Prince Faisal Bin Abdulaah al Saud have a strong desire to make his takeover club being a great club in the world...
maybe,..it's not about the money for them...but,..it's more to power...i mean,..who will get a "name"..
it's natural for them....
just look at MC...
they aren't waiting for the money....
they are waiting for the new players target...

Would be good news I'm sure... at the moment the fans/manager/players are not getting the financial backing we need to compete, although Rafa does a good job, its exactly the sort of sh*t that made him walk at Valencia! so any change is good. As long as we dont do it the Man shitty way buying up anyone decent... although I'd like occasional hard working loyal but expensive players Villa,Silva,Aguero, I'd still like to see rough diamonds developed Kuyt,Benayoun etc & more than anything i dont wanna see Adebeyor,Drogba type players. Its all about Rafa being given confidence and funds to buy who he wants, without the board getting involved and talking to the press.

but i feel this has to be good news along with the sponsorship.. Arab business men usually have good business brains, they aren't usually wasteful.. man city trillionaire the exception. so he should do it the right way.. The Liverpool Way.

yeah...
the arabian would be a right person to takeover this beloved club...

The Prince will turn out to be an undercover reporter for the NOTW!

I sincerely hope this turns out good we have had enough bad times during the Yank's ownership and we need a bit of happiness now,hopefully he will come in and heavily invest so we can finally have a good enough squad to win the Premiership.And then possibly he can buy out the other Yank and we can move forward and be the dominating force in England once again.

I think the intial plan is to buy out Gillette and invest £20-£30million in January from rumour control.

Long-term, they'll buy out Hicks IMO.

I think the intial plan is to buy out Gillette and invest £20-£30million in January from rumour control.

Long-term, they'll buy out Hicks IMO.

I like this rumour, but it's probably just a gigantic lump of bullshit.

I just find it strange that a company such as F6 who are supposedly a Saudi Arabia-based sports management firm and are worth ridiculous amounts of money that their website is currently under construction and the only way to contact any one through the website is via one telephone number and one email address.

The follwing is taken from http://www.sportbusiness.com/marketplace/organisation/f6

Telephone:
1-949-706-7440

Website:
http://www.f6world.com

Email Address:
barry@F6world.com

F6 is a global conglomerate that has areas of specialization in sports management, player representation, special events, facilities development, marketing and communications.

F6 has a number of high-profile athletes under management, among them Saudi star footballer Naif Hazazi.

F6 is based in Saudi Arabia and is active in sport development internationally, with a focus on the Middle East and North Africa.

I'd like to believe the Prince is our Knight in shining armour but after doing a little digging and finding stuff like this, I'm very much going to remain on the fence as I don't quite know what to make of it.

Gillette in Saudi Arabia - Visiting Nassr Club

Quick interview with Gilette

Yes he is the awnser because he could get rid off the two american muppets running our club

He's full of it.
Gillett of course i mean

If we get a Saudi owner could we place a fatwa on hicks.

Daily Mirror today P71.Gillett says"the meeting this week with the Prince is about motor racing & football acadamies and NOT about selling shares in Anfield?? WTF!!

He's still full of it!

I don't know if the arabian is a right person to take over the club...
but..surely...I totally not happy with both of liverpool current owner...
I have a confidence about the arabian...
for me,..
the buyers from east,..especially the person who have a strong finance like Prince Faisal Bin Abdulaah al Saud have a strong desire to make his takeover club being a great club in the world...
maybe,..it's not about the money for them...but,..it's more to power...I mean,..who will get a "name"..
it's natural for them....
just look at MC...
they aren't waiting for the money....
they are waiting for the new players target...

The further east you go in business you come to understand something called "Face."

In the old days in the US and the UK you gave your word which was your bond.
Now it means nothing. The only power (?)  is how much you can screw another person or a company over.

In the East if you give your word and break it, no one ever does business with you again.
You have lost "Face".


Thats is why we should feel more comfortable about things.
Losing face is everything and for them.....it aint going to happen.


Just get Hicks the f ---  out of the way.

Sorry in advance if my post deemed offensive to some:

I agree with one of the post above, Middle Eastern people is all about honour and national pride. I mean if you look at the history of Arabs, you can see they are always about pride and national dignity. Pagan Arabs did fight among themselves eventhough they're just the same. It's like Pakistan and India, both seems to out do each other.

I guess it's the same even though now, Arabs are far more civilized than thousands of years ago, but the sense of pride and national honour never fades. So when the Saudis knew about Abu Dhabi involvement with Man City, they have to do something. They have to flex their muscles to be as wealthy as the Abu Dhabi's. I guess we can say that Gillett if he does sell his stake, there will be a great battle between the Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arab moguls. Power is everything to them and to outmuscle your adversary is your greatest accomplishment.

I can see if Prince Faisal do get a grip on 50% of Gillett's shares, he will do anything in his power to wrestle another 50% from Hicks. He will never bow to Abu Dhabi and he will do anything in his power to gain control of Liverpool. Then if he does assume total ownership of Liverpool I can see there will be a great tussle between us and Man City to attract bigger names. 

No no no this is not the answer. We dont want to buy our way to the title and be another City or Chelski. Just get Hicks and Gillett out and bring back Moores

No no no this is not the answer. We dont want to buy our way to the title and be another City or Chelski. Just get Hicks and Gillett out and bring back Moores

Knee-jerk?

We will never be them as we have a history of success, but some extra investment on players is needed. I mean technically any team these days who wins a title in the big leagues is buying it, as they can afford to buy quality players that will win the league. It's no longer about academy's unfortunately, so we need to have the money to compete. It's just the way the world is now.

Sorry in advance if my post deemed offensive to some:

I agree with one of the post above, Middle Eastern people is all about honour and national pride. I mean if you look at the history of Arabs, you can see they are always about pride and national dignity. Pagan Arabs did fight among themselves eventhough they're just the same. It's like Pakistan and India, both seems to out do each other.

I guess it's the same even though now, Arabs are far more civilized than thousands of years ago, but the sense of pride and national honour never fades. So when the Saudis knew about Abu Dhabi involvement with Man City, they have to do something. They have to flex their muscles to be as wealthy as the Abu Dhabi's. I guess we can say that Gillett if he does sell his stake, there will be a great battle between the Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arab moguls. Power is everything to them and to outmuscle your adversary is your greatest accomplishment.

I can see if Prince Faisal do get a grip on 50% of Gillett's shares, he will do anything in his power to wrestle another 50% from Hicks. He will never bow to Abu Dhabi and he will do anything in his power to gain control of Liverpool. Then if he does assume total ownership of Liverpool I can see there will be a great tussle between us and Man City to attract bigger names. 

Couldnt agree with you more.

Sorry in advance if my post deemed offensive to some:

I agree with one of the post above, Middle Eastern people is all about honour and national pride. I mean if you look at the history of Arabs, you can see they are always about pride and national dignity. Pagan Arabs did fight among themselves eventhough they're just the same. It's like Pakistan and India, both seems to out do each other.

I guess it's the same even though now, Arabs are far more civilized than thousands of years ago, but the sense of pride and national honour never fades. So when the Saudis knew about Abu Dhabi involvement with Man City, they have to do something. They have to flex their muscles to be as wealthy as the Abu Dhabi's. I guess we can say that Gillett if he does sell his stake, there will be a great battle between the Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arab moguls. Power is everything to them and to outmuscle your adversary is your greatest accomplishment.

I can see if Prince Faisal do get a grip on 50% of Gillett's shares, he will do anything in his power to wrestle another 50% from Hicks. He will never bow to Abu Dhabi and he will do anything in his power to gain control of Liverpool. Then if he does assume total ownership of Liverpool I can see there will be a great tussle between us and Man City to attract bigger names. 

Lets just hope it happens. Im sure Gillete would love nothing more than us to get excited over nothing.

Disturbing to read that we would buy our way to the title, Only the likes of the Chavs and Man shitty can be accused of that, Have a wee look at our trophy cabinet and maybe even a glimpse at our history and then judge  whether we are buying the title, FF'S get a grip!!

   YNWA     IRWT

We're buying players like any other team but we've got too many players not good enough  still in the team.